Kenya Airways has recorded a major milestone in sustainable aviation, winning three top honours at The Aviation Challenge 2025 and reinforcing its position as a continental leader in green flight operations.
The national carrier secured the awards for Most Impactful Solution – Catering, Game Changer of the Year, and Special Recognition for Collaboration with KLM, marking the fourth consecutive year it has been recognised at the global sustainability challenge.
Speaking on the achievement, Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, George Kamal, said the honours reflected the airline’s long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into its operations.
“This recognition shows our commitment to expanding sustainable practices through innovation and focused action. It reflects the hard work of our people and partners as we continue to embed sustainability into our operations and create real change across the industry,” Kamal said.
The Most Impactful Solution – Catering and Game Changer of the Year awards recognised initiatives now deployed across all Kenya Airways flights. These include the use of recyclable aluminium food packaging, bamboo cutlery in place of single-use plastic, paper cups instead of plastic, and canned drinks replacing plastic bottles.
According to the airline, the measures have helped eliminate more than 337 tonnes of single-use plastic annually and deliver cost savings of over KES 50 million each year, demonstrating the commercial and environmental value of sustainable operations.
Kenya Airways also received Special Recognition for Collaboration for its long-standing partnership with KLM. Over four editions of The Aviation Challenge, both airlines have worked jointly to develop and scale practical sustainability solutions across their operations, underscoring the role of collaboration in driving industry-wide change.
In a related recognition, Jambojet, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, won the Most Compelling Story award for its storytelling approach in showcasing sustainability initiatives and impact.
The awards were presented at a global aviation sustainability event in Copenhagen, Denmark, which brought together SkyTeam member airlines to develop practical and scalable solutions for a greener aviation industry.
